Blest Be the God of Israel
Blest be the God of Israel
The hymn articulates Lutheran christological focus by celebrating God's redemptive work through the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic expectation. It emphasizes the Gospel promise of salvation and the visitation of God's people through Christ's incarnation.
History & Background
Written by English hymn poet Josiah Conder in 1824, this hymn is a poetic paraphrase of the Benedictus (Song of Zechariah) from Luke 1:68-79. It has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals since the twentieth century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 135
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 838
- Glory to God — 109
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 539
- Lutheran Service Book — 349
- Lutheran Worship — 26
- New Century Hymnal — 114
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 27
- With One Voice — 654
Bulletin Note
Written by English hymnodist Josiah Conder in 1824, this hymn proclaims the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic promises in Christ's incarnation—the God of Israel visiting his people with redemption and hope.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the movement from Law to Gospel: it recounts God's covenant mercies in Christ's coming, then calls the redeemed to faithful obedience as the proper response to grace received.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: God's covenant fulfillment through Christ and John the Baptist, moving from promise to proclamation to salvation's illumination
Themes
Benedictus (Song of Zechariah) Messianic hope Redemption through Christ God's faithfulness Incarnation